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With Emperor Nero’s persecution of Christians worsening, Pope St. Peter was encouraged to flee Rome. He reluctantly did so, but as he passed through the gates at night, he saw Christ appear, walking back towards the city. Peter cried out, “quo vadis, Domine? Where are you going, Lord?” Jesus answered, “to Rome, to be crucified again.” The heartbroken Peter wept at this rebuke of his flight from persecution, and immediately returned and gave himself up. He was imprisoned with St. Paul, and from behind bars they continued to work many conversions, including the captains of their guard. On June 29th, the two Apostles were scourged, then taken to be executed. St. Paul, as a Roman citizen, was beheaded. Three springs burst forth from where his head fell, where Tre Fontane Abbey now stands. St. Peter was led to the Vatican Hill, and crucified like his beloved master. Out of humility and a desire to suffer yet more for Christ, he famously requested to be crucified upside down. These two illustrious saints are eternally linked in veneration, as they were in mission, imprisonment and martyrdom.
AT Rome, the birthday [into heaven] of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, who suffered martyrdom on the same day, under the emperor Nero. Within the city the former was crucified with his dead downwards, and buried in the Vatican, near the Triumphal way, where he is venerated by the whole world. The latter was put to the sword and buried on the Ostian way, where he receives similar honors.
At Argenton, St. Marcellus, martyr, who was beheaded for the faith of Christ together with the soldier Anastasius.
At Genoa, the birthday of St. Syrius, bishop.
At Narni, St. Cassius, bishop of that city, of whom St. Gregory relates, that he permitted scarcely any day of his life to pass without offering the victim of propitiation to Almighty God; and he was well worthy to do it, for he distributed in alms all he possessed, and his devotion was such that abundant tears flowed from his eyes during the holy sacrifice. At last, he came to Rome on the birthday of the Apostles, as was his yearly custom, and after having solemnly celebrated Mass and given the Lord’s body and the kiss of peace to all, he departed for heaven.
In Cyprus, St. Mary, mother of John, surnamed Mark.
In the territory of Sens, St. Benedicta, virgin.
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.